She Speaks | A Let Her Speak Podcast: Recent Episodes
Let Her Speak
Celebrating women's fearlessness, resiliency, and readiness to take on the world. Hosted by Catherine Porth, Founder of Let Her Speak. An expansion of the She Speaks Series which sought to elevate and celebrate women's stories across the US during the pandemic - the first season of the She Speaks Podcast is all about honoring how far we've come over the last 2+ years. Throughout the season, you will hear interviews with women we captured during the pandemic followed up with a new episode where we catch up with them 2 years later to talk about what has changed, what they've learned, and what they're doing now. Join us on this journey of amplifying women's authentic stories. Together - we will make our voices heard!
As Women's History Month comes to an end this weekend, today we're sharing our final episode of Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast, and we’re closing it out with some real talk about how important supporting other women in your community is as a leader.
In this final episode, we share a conversation between Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Kirby Deal, and her mentor, Erika Biddix. Both of these women are dynamic role models for other women leaders and have put so much into empowering others in their communities.
Some of the topics they cover include remembering that you are more than just your title, taking ownership of your human-ness outside of work and family, and what it means to leave behind a legacy — especially embracing the fact that they are leaving legacies that don't need to be compared to others.
At the end of this episode, Kirby shares her own personal legacy statement about how leaving a legacy is like “planting seeds in a garden you will never get to see.” She connects her favorite flowers to qualities that she wants to inspire in others in such a beautiful way. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode. This quote from her legacy statement was one of our favorites!
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Kirby:
Connect with Kirby on LinkedIn
Connect with Erika:
Connect with Erika on LinkedIn
More About Erika
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong somewhere, and that you were out of your element?
In today’s new episode of the She Speaks Podcast, we hear from Let Her Lead aspiring leader program graduate, Rachel Baker, and her mentor, Leslie Batchelor. When Rachel initially heard back that she had been chosen for the Let Her Lead program, she thought we had mistakenly chosen her — and our team can vouch that it was NOT a mistake!
During their conversation, Rachel and Leslie discuss a lot of hard things on Rachel’s leadership journey, including understanding that we all have internal, inherent worth that external validation cannot touch, learning to believe in yourself, balancing a career and motherhood, and so much more.
Rachel’s fire and passion for her community really comes through during this conversation, as well as her hope for what she wants to accomplish as a leader.
At the end of the episode, Rachel shares her legacy statement, which honors the spirit of her mother and the way she was able to inspire Rachel’s leadership journey by encouraging her to always sparkle and shine, wherever life took her — and that experiencing loss also allows us to experience gratitude.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Rachel:
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
Connect with Leslie:
Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
If you’re familiar with the saying “The best-laid plans are paved with good intentions” - then you know there is power in being able to handle changes and interruptions, even if you’re feeling uncertain about the future.
In today’s drop on the She Speaks Podcast, we share a conversation with Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Emma Moran, and her coach, Alysia Bullock. They speak openly about how we react to change.
Emma’s leadership journey has experienced many changes, and some of the topics that come up in this episode include what her journey has looked like, how she has evolved into the leader she’s always wanted to be, and how she shows up for others when she can’t physically be there with her community.
At the end of the episode, Emma shares her legacy statement, which is a beautiful look into how chasing external validation from outside of her community wasn’t fulfilling her — and how focusing on individual relationships and the way she makes people around her feel gave her the fulfillment she needed.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Emma:
Connect with Emma on LinkedIn
Connect with Alysia:
Connect with Alysia on LinkedIn
Learn More About Alysia
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
“To take care of others, you must take care of yourself first.”
If you’ve not heard this saying before, today’s episode drop of the She Speaks Podcast is a good reminder of how important self-care truly is. Because you’re not showing up fully for yourself, how can you show up for others?
In this episode, we hear from Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Porschia Pickett, and her coach, Booth Andrews.
Throughout their conversation, they touch on subjects surrounding self-care, including the guilt that can come with taking the time to care for your own needs, juggling being a leader and a mother (and the pressure that women feel when they are sharing those roles), and breaking cycles to create a healthier environment for yourself and others.
At the end of this emotional interview, Porschia shares her legacy statement with the world - speaking to a life of service and how important it is to show up for yourself as much as you do for others.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Porschia:
Connect with Porschia on LinkedIn
Connect with Booth:
Connect with Booth on LinkedIn
Follow Booth on Instagram
Learn More About Booth
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Have you ever walked into a room and felt afraid to truly show up as yourself? Like you had to tone down your personality to fit in?
When you listen to today’s new episode of the She Speaks Podcast, you’ll be reminded that you’re not the only one who feels they can't be their full-selves sometimes. In this episode, we hear from Let Her Lead aspiring leader graduate, Angelee Day, and her mentor, Bonnie Cassimassima.
These women have a lot to say about what it’s like to feel like you’re too excited, too emotional, or too much of anything to fit into certain spaces, especially in the corporate world.
Their conversation dives into how they worked through embracing their big personalities, the importance of nurturing a relationship with their passion and curiosity, connecting to and trusting your intuition, and the power that comes with giving yourself permission to be YOU.
Be sure to listen to the very end of the episode, where Angelee shares her legacy statement about not making yourself smaller, for anyone or anything, and how important it is to dance to the beat of your own drum. Sparkle, sparkle, jazz handsAbout Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Angelee:
Connect with Angelee on LinkedIn
Connect with Bonnie:
Connect with Bonnie on LinkedIn
Learn More About Bonnie
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
When was the last time you took a moment to ground yourself when you found yourself in a challenging or triggering situation?
In today’s episode, we hear from Let Her Lead established leader graduate, Rachel Dellinger Stallings, and her mentor, Jennifer Gamble. In their conversation, they speak about the ups and downs of leadership journeys, disconnecting our personal worth from our achievements, and the power of being in the present moment and observing what is happening in not only our minds — but also our bodies.
This episode starts with a grounding practice that helped get Rachel focused and fully present for her episode recording — which started the conversation about how pausing and collecting ourselves mindfully can have a profound effect on our lives and how we show up for those around us.
As you're listening to Rachel and Jennifer's conversation followed by Rachel's legacy talk, we encourage you to take the opportunity to emerge yourself in being fully present wherever you are in that moment.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Rachel:
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
Connect with Jennifer:
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn
Learn More About Jennifer
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
We're doing things a little differently in this episode. Abby Hassler is a graduate of the aspiring leader cohort of the Let Her Lead program and a brilliant storyteller. One goal that Abby set for herself coming out of the program was to start her own podcast where she shares the stories of people in the community who are overlooked and forgotten.
As a way to help her make that dream a reality, we invited Abby to use her podcast episode as an opportunity to share her story, her way. You will hear first her legacy statement about the impact she sees storytelling can have on the world followed by the story of one of her neighbors she interviewed.
Tune in to this incredible episode with Abby.
... And remember, we are all legacies in progress.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Abby:
Follow Abby on Instagram
Connect with Abby on LinkedIn
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In this episode, you'll be hearing from Jaleria Rivera and Victoria Frankel. Jaleria was a graduate of our aspiring leader cohort in the Let Her Speak program while Victoria was her mentor. These two women are the definition of leading with purpose and passion in the work that they do.
Throughout their conversation, they discuss that calling to entrepreneurship. They're both entrepreneurs in their own right. Jaleria is in the arts and the leader of a movement that celebrates and emphasizes the importance that the arts and creatives play in the culture and identity of a community. Victoria's work is in the science and STEM space where she helps scientists, engineers, and founders take their complicated technologies and inventions and translate them into a language anyone can understand.
If you have been struggling with leaping into your passion and purpose or taking a risk and pursuing entrepreneurship - you're going to want to listen to this episode!
Tune into this amazing conversation between Jaleria and Victoria.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Jaleria:
Follow Jaleria on Instagram
Connect with SpaceCraft on Instagram
Learn More About SpaceCraft
Connect with Victoria:
Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn
Learn More about Victoria
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In this episode, Rainey Rawles, a recent graduate of our Let Her Lead program and incredible woodworker, has a conversation with her mentor and equally talented photographer, Jasmine Newton. This episode is especially for those of you who are entrepreneurs or thinking about becoming an entrepreneur and what it really is like mentally and emotionally to be in that space.
Both Rainey and Jasmine are full-time entrepreneurs themselves. They do some amazing work in the space of creativity, photography, and woodworking. They have both felt like imposters since the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys.
They discuss feeling ill-equipped and underskilled when it comes to being an entrepreneur and working in the spaces that they do. Part of that issue is that they feel that they don't have a voice or the "right" to assert themselves as experts because there's no institution necessarily vouching for them. It's them vouching for themselves.
Tune into this amazing conversation between Rainey and Jasmine.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Rainey:
Follow Rainey on Instagram
Connect with Rainey on LinkedIn
Learn More About Rainey
Connect with Jasmine:Follow Jasmine on Instagram
Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn
Learn More About Jasmine
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In this episode, you will meet Jaime Conry and Berta Medina, who were matched in our Let Her Lead program as an established leader participant and coach (respectively).
Jaime is a whiz at all things numbers, finance, and wealth management. And Berta is the coach that almost every single person could benefit from greatly.
In their conversation, these two amazing women dive into the fact that Jaime has been working with her mother at a wealth management firm that her mom started decades ago. They dig into the dynamics that happen when you are working in a family business, the benefits of it, and the frustrations that come with it. Specifically, having to gain trust from the founder of the business, who happens to be a family member of yours, and ensuring they see you as a leader and not just a child that they've known since birth.
There are a lot of nuances and complications that come with this dynamic they'll be diving into as well as talking about the importance of communication and different types of communication styles, especially across different generations. These conversations all converge on the importance that meditation has played in Jaime's life, which becomes very apparent when you hear her legacy statement at the end of this episode.
Now, tune into this amazing conversation between Jaime and Berta.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Jaime:
Connect with Jaime on LinkedIn
Learn More About Jaime
Connect with Berta:
Connect with Berta on LinkedIn
Follow Berta on Instagram
Follow Berta on Facebook
Learn More About Berta
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Do you make yourself a priority? For many, putting yourself as a priority can sometimes be an afterthought, a "nice to do" if you have the time and energy after doing all the other things and tending to everyone else.
That's one of the topics that Dr. Dasha Lundy and Amy Moden dive into in this latest episode. Amy is a graduate of the Let Her Lead program and Dasha was her coach this year.
Not only do they dive into putting yourself as a priority, but they also discuss self-care, the need to have to pour into yourself, and the fact that taking care of yourself is not selfish whatsoever, especially when you need to show up as a leader and guide others. Amy also shares the journey she's been on of calling herself a leader and truly owning that title.
If you are someone who has trouble putting yourself first, pouring back into yourself, caring for yourself, or looking at yourself in the mirror and recognizing the leader that you are - you're really going to love this conversation.
Tune into this amazing conversation between Dasha and Amy.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Amy:
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn
Learn More About YWCA of Knoxville & TN Valley
Connect with Dasha:
Connect with Dasha on LinkedIn
Learn More About Dasha
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In this episode, you will be hearing from Coy Kindred and Lina Evans who were matched as an aspiring leader and a mentor in our Let Her Lead program. In their conversation, they cover a lot of ground around leadership, motherhood, and having a strong friendship circle. They talk about the wisdom that comes with time and the falsehood that we all think we should have it all figured out at any given time.
They talk about boundaries and being a full-time, working mom and all that entails, as well as how important it is to have the right people around you all the time that you can rely on and count on as friends.
Tune into this amazing conversation between Coy and Lina.
About Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast:
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
__________
Connect with Coy:
Follow Coy on Instagram
Connect with Coy on Facebook
Learn More About Coy
Connect with Lina:
Connect with Lina on LinkedIn
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Welcome to Season 2 of the She Speaks Podcast!
Throughout Season 2 we will be featuring the graduates and mentors/coaches in our first cohort of the Let Her Lead program. Each woman you will hear from throughout this season embarked on a 12-week journey in late 2023 to gain new skills and insights to become the leader SHE wants to be.
The outcomes and stories of each of these women are truly incredible to hear. We can't wait for you to hear each interview.
In our first episode of the season, our founder, Catherine Porth, and Let Her Lead co-facilitator, Gina Lisenby, have a conversation about the things they learned while facilitating this first-of-its-kind program, some of the topics coming up for the rest of Season 2, and the complexities of women showing up as leaders in their communities, whether they see themselves as leaders or not.
__________
Connect with Gina:
Follow Gina on Instagram
Connect with Gina on LinkedIn
Learn More About Gina
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: Schaad Companies & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographers: Javon Renee Portraits, Smoke Signal Photography, Ashley Gurley Photography, and Kara Hudgens Photography
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
If you’ve been connected to our community for a while, then you already know how we feel about “hustle” culture. One other thing that we're getting REAL tired of is the requirement for women to live in a world where we have to be constantly resilient.
Why is it not enough to just be?
The frustration with our society celebrating hustle and resiliency led to a very interesting conversation between our founder. Catherine Porth, and photographer, Ashley Gurley, in late 2022.
That conversation is what sparked the inspiration for The Found Project.
We started this project because we are believers in the power of rest — it’s in periods of rest, when we are doing something for pure enjoyment, that we can rediscover who we really are. The woman who was there all along - growing despite the societal pressures and NOISE from the outside world.
It only seemed fitting that the last woman we feature in this project is Ashley herself. Not only did Ashley photograph the other 11 fabulous portraits we've been teasing all month — but she had the additional challenge of taking a self-portrait!
Both growing up and today, Ashley likes to escape to and feels found in books.
As a child, Ashley’s mother would often be searching for her — to finish her homework or to work on household chores — and Ashley would be hiding, usually in a tree, with a book. Her favorite book? Anne of Green Gables.
“There is nothing like getting lost in a story. I find that books are such a mirror for us…I’m able to look at myself and see where I am in the stories and remind myself of my bravery, and courage, and MY strength, and all of the things I have accomplished in my life.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Chances are if you grew up as the eldest sibling in a large household, the idea of rest is something that you aren’t too familiar with. Oftentimes when you’re the older sibling, your childhood includes caring for and watching over younger brothers and sisters.
This was the reality for Jaleria Rivera who just recently discovered she felt found through dance.
Jaleria always enjoyed dancing and movement growing up and into adulthood, but didn’t have time to explore her passion for it until the pandemic hit. It was early in lockdown that her long “watch list” of dance videos finally became a part of her restful routine.
She shares: “Everyone you adore as an artist started in the same place as you — a complete beginner and admirer. So I just started doing the practice, and it started to cultivate into that rest. To me, rest is joy and flow. And I find that when I dance.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
If you've been listening to other women's interviews from The Found Project, you may have noticed a theme — many of the featured women have found rest when they are doing something outside.
But what about doing “nothing” outside? When we say nothing, we mean going out into nature with no goal or expectations in mind… just being.
That idea may be hard for some to imagine, but for Sarah Schortz spending time in nature and moving slowly is where she feels most found.
Growing up, Sarah found herself escaping in nature - slowly exploring, wandering, or sitting near water. She was never taught how to rest, but she naturally found herself drawn to these quiet moments.
Even now as an adult, Sarah makes sure to take the time everyday to find little moments where she can slowly wander around her wilderness property that she calls home. Today, Sarah integrates Forrest Bathing — an ancient form of physiological exercise — in her professional life.
Sarah says “In nature I always felt very held and safe and loved, and it was a place where all of my curiosities felt welcomed, cultivated, fostered and safe. And that’s still what I love about it. Being in nature, it’s a place I can just be, with my guard down.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Rest can be a hard thing to prioritize when we are tuned in to the preachings of hustle culture — because if you’re not working, what are you doing?
This mentality is common among women, especially those who are juggling running a business, raising a family, and/or managing a household. But Jordan Morgan discovered that she felt found through yoga after only seeing it as another form of work for many years.
Always on the go growing up, Jordan’s mindset was that rest felt like the opposite of productivity. Her first introduction to yoga was as a form of exercise — hot yoga and power yoga in particular.
She eventually came back to her yoga practice after she got married and started a family, as a way to take time for herself away from the demands of being a mother and caregiver. But now, it was no longer about pushing her body. It was about taking the time to slow things down.
She says “I took a different path when I rediscovered yoga. I’m not in a hurry anymore. I need space to slow down, space to sit, space to breathe. Yoga calms your mind, and it softens your heart.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Discovering new activities as adults can feel extra magical — but sometimes it takes seeing the world through the eyes of your own child to remember how exciting it is to explore new passions. This was how Raquel Leal discovered that she feels found through all things creative.
It wasn’t until Raquel moved to the United States and started her own family that she felt she had the time to step away from her demanding life as a lawyer to really take some time for herself. After taking a year off of work, she began to find joy and rest in doing activities with her 9-year-old daughter — spending time at the library, crafting, painting…
Raquel shares that “I have been using planners and calendars for years, so I make sure to make those dates with me in there. Me time. I really enjoy the silence and peacefulness of spending time with me.” In her interview, she shares that she leaves plans of her dates with herself in her planner, on her phone calendar, and post-it notes on her mirror when she has her “mirror talks” with herself as a reminder.
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
When you think about what you like to do when you’re resting, does it involve another person…or an animal?
Growing up on a farm with a big noisy family (lots of brothers), Rachel Woods had to share everything except for one thing — her horses. She learned to escape to her restful place when she was just a child, finding solace in the quiet of the barn.
To this day, Rachel still feels the most found with her horse, Belle.
In her interview, Rachel shares that spending time around Belle forces her to slow down — and when she doesn’t she can feel the effects physically and mentally. Rachel says “Rest doesn’t always have to look like doing something. It doesn’t have to be pretty or perfect or have an Instagram-worthy aesthetic. It can be simple, and dirty, and something that you’re comfortable with.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
We are all aware of the healing power of nature. Being outdoors is a great way to step away from the constant stream of news, screen time, and to-do lists that only perpetuate the feeling of being disconnected from our true selves — after all, we are inherently a part of nature.
Growing up in Florida, Michelle Guanaga spent time outdoors paddling, sitting around the fire, and riding her bike. Even now, as an adult, she feels most found in the outdoors.
In her interview, Michelle shares that she keeps Mondays and Tuesdays scheduled for restful time outdoors, even though that means her business, Outdoor Gear Revival, is closed, explaining:
“As a small business owner, I knew it was important not to get burnt out. I give myself that time to enjoy my restful activity, and I feel really good when I go to work on Wednesday. If we don’t rest, life will just pass us by.”
From sitting around a campfire with family and friends, to using her outdoor kitchen, Michelle savors these moments to connect with friends and family in nature.
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Prayer is something that is used by many people throughout the world, regardless of religion or spiritual affiliation. Sometimes we use it as an intentional form of thankfulness or gratitude, but if you’re like Elena Petzold, it can also be a form of rest, reflection, and meditation.
Elena didn’t discover the feeling of being found through her restful activity of prayer until 2020.
Things didn’t start out easy and she recalls that her first prayer wasn’t pretty, but her practice has evolved over time. She had an incredible experience one day after dedicating an hour to strictly resting in prayer, and it’s something she reflects back to now after realizing how amazing she felt afterwards.
In her interview, Elena reflects back on how she feels after she prays, saying “Now I feel peace, I feel a lot calmer, I feel like a better version of myself, I feel like I have more to give other people, and I feel like I have more to give to the world.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Skills and crafts passed down from generation to generation is something many of us value because it makes us feel close to loved ones — especially when they are no longer with us.
Can you remember watching your grandmother or aunt making something with their hands? As we mentioned in a previous post, sometimes DOING something is more relaxing for us than NOT doing.
Growing up in a full house, Halee Sprinkle fondly remembers her creativity space set up with a sewing machine, bedazzling tools, and crafting supplies. This was a space just for her to escape and this is where she stills feels found — crafting and creating.
Halee shares “When I don’t rest, my sparkle will dull — and I’m really big on not letting anything dull my sparkle. But when I’m resting, and creating — just really letting my brain have fun — my sparkle is at it’s shiniest. I’ll be smiling even if no one else is in the room watching me.”
For anyone who as ever met Halee, you likely have seen her in hot pinks, sparkles, and Lisa Frank-inspired colors. Without a doubt, she embodies what it means to "sparkle".
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In a world that celebrates hustle culture, it can be hard to step back from the grind and recalibrate ourselves. But when burnout catches up with us, our minds and bodies have a way of telling us things need to change.
Meet Jasmine Ball. Jasmine feels found in restorative time with herself — and it’s something she works into her everyday routine.
As a child, Jasmine enjoyed quiet time and reading books to immerse herself in stories. As an adult, Jasmine continues to enjoy those “quiet time” moments, but with a grown-up twist. A warm bath, burning candles, journaling, meditating — and you’ll still find a book thrown in there.
She notes “I don’t necessarily have markers that tell me when it’s time to rest, however, I have learned over time to automatically have a morning routine and a night routine to reset and recenter myself.”
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Rest looks different for everyone and we know for some, it means movement — which sounds counterintuitive. But what if an active version of rest could be embraced for what it can do for our mind AND our body?
In Sarah Prater's portrait and accompanying interview, she shares that:
“I feel found while riding my bike.”
Sarah talks about growing up as a very sick child who wasn’t allowed to be super active, so rest was a difficult topic for her. Her restful activity of being on a bike was accidentally discovered in high school and eventually became her favorite activity for turning off the noise of the world.
Being a mother and owner of Tennessee Reproductive Acupuncture, Sarah finds solitude in nature when her hands find the handlebars of her bike — but rest is something that she has to schedule for herself, or she begins to feel the effects of needing it.
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
Do you remember how it felt the first time you said “no” and had a sense of calm and relief come over you?
Often when we say "no", it’s because we are too overwhelmed, too overstimulated, and in need of rest. And sometimes, saying “no” is what we need to do to make time for rest.
Rest is what The Found Project is all about — what it looks like to each of the women who are a part of the project, what it feels like when they haven’t made time for it, and how rest makes them feel.
We created mini-podcast episodes from our interviews with each woman, and the talented Ashley Gurley captured each woman at rest from behind her camera lens.
When we asked Femeika Elliott where she feels most found, she said:
“I feel found through soul-nourishing food and tea time.”
In her interview, Femeika shares that the ritual behind making tea and preparing a meal gives her comfort and allows her mind to tune out the noise and chaos of the world.
To get the complete Found Project experience, visit The Found Project Gallery to view each woman's portrait and listen to her interview.
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor: Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our photographer & collaborator: Ashley Gurley of Ashley Gurley Photography
Our social media manager: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
It's Our Final Episode of Season 1!Thank you so much for tuning in to the first season of the She Speaks Podcast. Throughout this season, we have been commemorating the journeys we have all been on over the last 2+ years by listening to interviews from women collected during the pandemic and checking in with them now. We've also brought in other leaders in our community to talk about topics like imposter syndrome and embracing a new path.
One point of view we wanted to make sure we captured in this First Season is from an ally. While listening to these interviews you may not know it, but Travis Tench has been with us throughout this first season as our producer, sound mixer, and theme music composer. Every "Now" episode was recorded with Travis in the room and he remastered every interview collected for the "Then" episodes.
As an organization dedicated to women, Let Her Speak has been very fortunate to have many male allies supporting our organization. If you have attended any of our in-person events recently, you may recognize Travis as the quiet guy in the corner running sound and selecting impeccable playlists in-between speakers. He is without a doubt one of the greatest ally supporters of our work.
Travis is the owner of Oak Hill Audio, the frontman and creator of the band Tinca Tinca, and an active member of the music community in Knoxville. Considering Travis has had the opportunity to be in the room where these conversations were happening, we wanted to bring him in to get his perspective on allyship, equality, and intentional community building.
Listen in as Catherine and Travis talk about his reflections on the stories shared throughout this season, his work in creating communities that support all artists, and his thoughts on the impact allies can have in building better opportunities for everyone.
We also encourage you to share this season with the allies in your life. After all, it's through stories that we're able to gain new perspectives and empathize with those who have walked a much different path than us.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We can't wait to continue these conversations in Season 2!
Connect with Travis:
Follow Travis on Instagram
Like Travis on Facebook
Learn More About Travis
Connect with Tinca Tinca
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
And if you are listening back to some of our previous episodes, make sure to share your homework with us that Catherine assigns during episodes 8 and 13! Shoot us a DM on Instagram or send us an email. We'd love to celebrate with you!
In our last episode, we interviewed a woman who whose life story and philosophy on living is something all of us need to hear. Berta Medina is an accountability coach for those who dream big and a powerful person to have in your corner. But where has life taken her since 2020?
The answer is a journey of transformation. Two days before the world shut down in 2020, Berta asked her husband for a divorce. However, because of their love and mutual respect for eachother, they chose to put that aside during the pandemic to focus on the safety of their family.
It was also during this time that Berta took the opportunity to look inward at herself and her business. She began looking at the ways she could help even more to ensure her clients not only survived that period of so many unknowns but actually leveled up in their businesses. The question of "What comes next?" was also something she dived into very intentionally to ensure whatever may happen in the world - she was doing the work that fulfilled her.
Listen to her story of navigating the chaos, taking risks, and embracing her legacy. It is an inspiring story of no regrets, lots of travel, and abundant happiness.
If you connect with Berta's work and want to hear from more big dreamers - check out her podcast "The Dreamers Succeed Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect with Berta:
Follow Berta on Instagram
Like Berta on Facebook
Learn More About Berta
Connect with Berta
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In September 2020, Catherine Porth sat down (virtually) with past Women's Summit Storyteller and dear friend, Berta Medina - Founder of Dreamers Succeed and the coach we all need in our lives. Any time spent with Berta is sure to be filled with laughter, motivation, support, and hugs. You also need to be careful about telling your dreams and passions to Berta because she will hold you accountable to go after them.
Berta's story is truly inspiring and the way she lives her life is a constant reminder that age should never be a barrier to doing and being exactly what you want. Not only is Berta an incredible coach to dreamers and entrepreneurs everywhere, but she also has the most giving (and adventure-seeking) heart. Listen to her story of how she followed her purpose to become a professional coach and her vision of the legacy she wants to leave (it's AMAZING).
In the 2+ years since we recorded this interview with Berta, A LOT has changed in her life including the end of a long marriage, a move to a new state, and a transformation into being her full self. We will dive more into that story next week when we catch back up with Berta, but to understand how far she has come - we must first learn where she's been.
Thank you, Berta, for not only being an incredible friend and supporter but for all you give to inspire others to pursue their dreams!
Connect with Berta:
Follow Berta on Instagram
Like Berta on Facebook
Learn More About Berta
Connect with Berta
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at hello@letherspeakusa.org
In our last episode, we interviewed a woman who isn't afraid to talk about the "embarrassing" stuff, Shannon Hamaker, who is a Sexual Health Educator and Relationship Coach. But where has life taken her since 2020?
The answer is on a journey of intention and self-discovery. During the pandemic, Shannon found herself at a crossroads both in her business and her personal life. This crossroad led to many internal questions like "Is what I'm doing impactful?" and "Where is my time best spent?" - each question taking stock of the intentionality behind her actions and choices.
At the time of this interview recording, the United States was also facing its own crossroads - a period during Roe v. Wade and the period that followed its ultimate overturn by the Supreme Court. Our interview happened to hit at a very timely and uncertain period for women across the nation - a period that we are all continuing to grapple with in our daily lives.
Listen to her story of modeling her work with intention, placing a priority on her close relationships, and realizing the impact she can have to empower others to have a voice about their sexuality. It is an encouraging story of growth, expansion, and impact.
If you have been searching for a safe space to talk about and learn about your own sexual health - check out her podcast "Sexually Speaking with Shannon Hamaker" on your favorite podcast platform.
Connect with Shannon:
Follow Shannon on Instagram
Like Shannon on Facebook
Learn More About Shannon
Connect with Shannon
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In September 2020, Catherine Porth sat down (virtually) with Sexual Health Educator (& sexual awakening advocate), Shannon Hamaker, to have a conversation about women's sexual health. A topic that many of us need to be talking about more but might be too ashamed to bring up. In their conversation, they cover all the things many of us often wonder about in our own sexuality and desires but may not feel comfortable enough to talk about out loud.
To any woman who feels shame talking about pleasure - Shannon is here to help you in that journey. Listen to her story of how she found her calling for empowering women to step confidently into their own sexuality and educate them on the many benefits our sex life has for our health - both mentally and physically.
In the 2+ years since we recorded this interview with Shannon, A LOT has changed in her life including many trials and tribulations both personally and professionally. We will dive more into that story next week when we catch back up with Shannon, but to understand how far she has come - we must first learn where she's been.
Thank you, Shannon, for your honesty, openness, and care for helping more women understand and connect with their own sexual health!
Check out these resources mentioned during the Interview:
Sex with Emily Podcast
"Come As You Are" by Emily Nagoski
Sexual Personality Test
Connect with Shannon:
Follow Shannon on Instagram
Like Shannon on Facebook
Learn More About Shannon
Connect with Shannon
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we interviewed the remarkable Drocella MugoreWera who at the time was the Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services. But where has life taken her since 2021?
The answer is one that may motivate many of you to chase your own dreams and answer a call to do something bigger. On June 10th, 2022, Drocella stepped down from her role as an executive director to pursue a bigger calling. That calling included becoming a public speaker, coach, and trainer to help others overcome fear, trauma, and poverty. While her passion and advocacy for the refugee community will remain a large part of her life - Drocella realized that by stepping out on her own she is able to make an impact on a more global scale.
Listen to her story of forging a new path for herself, taking action on her dreams, and leaving a lasting impact on the world. It is an amazing story of overcoming adversity, building a new legacy, and thriving.
If you are wanting to hear more of Drocella's incredible story - check out her talk "Breaking Our Own Barriers" she delivered during our May 2020 workshop where we dived into imposter syndrome.
Connect with Drocella:
Follow Drocella on Instagram
Like Drocella on Facebook
Learn More About Drocella
Connect with Drocella
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In February 2021, Catherine Porth sat down with (at the time) non-profit Executive Director, Storyteller, and Coach, Drocella MugoreWera. The two had been introduced almost a year prior as a mutual friend when Catherine was searching for a storyteller to talk about breaking down barriers for a virtual Let Her Speak event in the midst of the pandemic. During their conversation, they covered topics from Drocella's journey since arriving in the United States as a refugee, to how we can help more refugees, like herself, and the many legacies she wants to leave behind.
Drocella is from Rwanda, a beautiful country with a painful history. During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, her country lost almost 1,000,000 people. She survived. Many did not. Rather than continuing life with bitterness, anger, and regret - Drocella chose to become a beacon of kindness and light.
Her answer to the question "What legacy do you want to leave behind?" consisted of several amazing visions for the life she wants to live. One of our favorite quotes from her answer was: "I want people to love themselves more. And to appreciate who they are. This is why one of my missions is awakening [gifts]."
Fast forward to 2022 and Drocella has made many changes in her life in pursuit of making her visions a reality. We will talk more about that next week when we share Drocella's follow-up interview, but to understand how far Drocella has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Thank you, Drocella, for the warmth, kindness, and heart you bring to everything you do!
If you enjoyed our conversation with Drocella, also checkout the story she shared at our May 2020 event, "Breaking Down Our Own Barriers", where she shares more about her story.
Connect with Drocella:
Follow Drocella on Instagram
Like Drocella on Facebook
Learn More About Drocella
Connect with Drocella
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
At one point or another, almost all of us have experienced feeling like an imposter. Through the interviews we have shared so far in this podcast, the topic of imposter syndrome has come up time and time again.
On this special (Not-so-mini) Expert Episode, Catherine sits down with local financial sector leader (and our podcast sponsor), Tiffany Gardner, to talk about the different ways the imposter mindset has come up in her life and how she has worked to overcome them. Tiffany is the Senior VP Manager of Corporate and Commercial Banking at First Horizon Bank with a career in the financial sector that spans multiple decades of working with business owners to grow their operations.
Initially when Catherine approached Tiffany about having a discussion about this topic - Tiffany was very honest that she had never heard the term "imposter syndrome" but the minute she heard its definition, she knew immediately what it was. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry - especially at the leadership level, Tiffany has often found herself in roles and rooms where she was either the youngest, the only woman, or both.
Listen in as they discuss Tiffany's own experiences with imposterism, how she has not let that interfere with growing in her career, why she loves what she does, and what she has learned along the way in becoming a leader in her industry. Their conversation is FILLED with so many insightful nuggets and pieces of advice for any woman leader.
If you are a woman in finance looking to connect with others in the industry or are a business owner searching for a banking relationship - we encourage you to connect with Tiffany and all of the other AMAZING women at First Horizon Bank who are passionate about supporting women.
And make sure to share your homework with us that Catherine assigns at the end of the episode! Shoot us a DM on Instagram or send us an email. We'd love to hear from you!
Connect with Tiffany & First Horizon Bank:
Follow First Horizon on Instagram
Like First Horizon on Facebook
Learn More About First Horizon
Connect with Tiffany Gardner
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we got to learn all about Steph Blue and the amazing work she was doing to support women and small businesses. But where has life taken her since 2020?
The answer is - on a wild ride. In April 2021, Steph and her husband, Chris, welcomed a brand new baby daughter into their family. In addition to becoming a new mom, Steph also changed jobs and started a new blog community. While her passion for empowering women and supporting business owners has never changed - she has taken her new role of Mom as inspiration to create resources that address the real struggles of motherhood.
Listen to her story of embracing her new life and overcoming all the negative self-talk and doubts about what it looks like to be a "good" mom. It is a story of transformation, vulnerability, and self-love.
If you are a mom or on your own fertility journey and are seeking a community - check out Steph's amazing blog with TONS of information to remind you that you're not alone.
Connect with Steph:
Follow Steph on Instagram
Like Steph on Facebook
Learn More About Steph Blue
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In July 2020, Catherine Porth met Steph Blue for the first time to record an interview for the She Speaks Project. Out of this conversation - both women recognized they were kindred spirits in more ways than one. At the time, Steph was embarking on her own entrepreneurial journey of empowering women and helping small businesses tell their stories - two things that both women are extremely passionate about.
During her interview, Steph discusses why she is so passionate about storytelling and lifting up fellow women. Creating community and connections is at the heart of her personal mission which is why she was working to bring women together to help them better understand themselves and the women around them.
Flash forward to 2022 and Steph's life looks immensely different than it did in 2020. Without giving too much away - all we'll say is you will definitely want to tune in to Steph's next episode where we catch up on all the ways her life has changed in just 2 years. But to understand how far Steph has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Listen to her story about what motivated her to start her entrepreneurial journey and how she strives to help others.
Connect with Steph:
Follow Steph on Instagram
Like Steph on Facebook
Learn More About Steph Blue
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we heard the story of Saray Taylor-Roman, an internationally celebrated master portrait photographer and the owner of Taylor-Roman Portrait. But what changes has Saray undergone since our conversation in early 2021?
The answer is a wide-world of opportunity. Towards the end of 2021, Saray faced a question that many entrepreneurs who reach her level of success do - what comes next? For Saray, the answer to that question came from a gentle nudge from her mentor, Sue Bryce - a woman who saw Saray's potential before even she did.
Listen to her story of overcoming her own imposter feelings and stepping into the next phase of her entrepreneurial journey as a business coach for photographers. It is a story of evolution, courage, and self-belief.
If you are a photographer stuggling with the business side of photography - you're going to want to checkout Saray's incredible new program launching soon - Take Action with Saray!
Connect with Saray:
Follow Taylor-Roman Portrait on Instagram
Like Taylor-Roman Portrait Portrait on Facebook
Learn More About Taylor-Roman Portrait
Connect with Saray's New Coaching Program
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media + The Team at Taylor-Roman Portrait
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In April 2021, Catherine Porth sat down with Saray Taylor-Roman - a phenomenal portrait photographer and the owner of Taylor-Roman Portraits. While from the gorgeous photos Saray takes you'd think she always knew she was going to become a photographer - she actually started out as a Spanish teacher who hated having her own photo taken.
Saray's own entrepreneurial journey started out as a hobby and a desire to change her career path. Through planning, mentorship, and drive - Saray took her love of photography and turned it into more than just a career. In her interview, she talks about why she chose to specialize in portrait photography as a personal mission to help others see their own beauty, especially those who don't think they're "photogenic".
In 2022, Saray found herself asking what comes next as the owner of a portrait studio with international praise. You'll be able to hear all about Saray's new endeavor in the next episode, but to understand how far she has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Listen to her story of finding her purpose, pursuing her dreams, and encouraging everyone, especially mothers, to step in front of the camera.
Connect with Saray:
Follow Taylor-Roman Portrait on Instagram
Like Taylor-Roman Portrait Portrait on Facebook
Learn More About Taylor-Roman Portrait
Connect with Saray's New Coaching Program
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media + The Team at Taylor-Roman Portrait
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we got to learn about Jasmine Newton, Owner of Javon Renee Portraits, and how she built her business out of a necessity that turned into a passion and her purpose. But what has happened in Jasmine's life since that interview?
The answer is bittersweet. Shortly after the interview we recorded with Jasmine in 2021 when her business was flourishing - she found herself at odds with her body. While she was going, going, going full-speed in her business, her body forced her to come to a complete stop.
Listen to her story of going through a period of being overwhelmed, exhausted, and struggling to sustain herself and how she has rebuilt her life and business from what she learned during that time. It is a story of determination, resilience, and self-discovery.
If you connect with Jasmine's story, passion, and mission - please support her as either a client, follower, or fan.
Connect with Jasmine:
Follow Javon Renee Portraits on Instagram
Like Javon Renee Portraits on Facebook
Learn More About Javon Renee Portraits
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In April 2021, Catherine Porth sat down with Jasmine Newton - a dear friend and the amazingly talented photographer behind Javon Renee Portraits. In the midst of a pandemic, Jasmine found herself with a business that was BOOMING. Everyone seemed to be ready to invest in new portraits and headshots for themselves.
At the time of this recording, we were releasing interviews on our YouTube Channel - but we intentionally held back this episode. You see, not long after this conversation, Jasmine went through one of the most difficult periods for her and her business. While the whole world saw a successful woman with a growing business - Jasmine was struggling behind the scenes with burnout and her mental health.
In 2022, Jasmine found herself ready to re-emerge - filled with more determination and creative ideas than ever before. You'll be able to hear all about her personal journey in the next episode, but to understand how far Jasmine has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Listen to her story of how she created an opportunity for herself out of getting let go from a corporate job and how she embraced who she truly was and her true worth.
Connect with Jasmine:
Follow Javon Renee Portraits on Instagram
Like Javon Renee Portraits on Facebook
Learn More About Javon Renee Portraits
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we had the opportunity to learn about Rachel Fletcher, Owner of Knox Upholstery, and how she found herself in the highly skilled and labor-intensive world of upholstery. But what has happened in Rachel's life since that interview?
The answer is a whirlwind of chaos and change. Since 2020, Rachel's life has undergone not only the massive growth of her business but also a complete reinvention in her personal life. From an explosion of new clients to filing for divorce & moving to a new home to forming a new business partnership - Rachel has certainly navigated a chaotic couple of years by taking it day-by-day.
Listen to her story of introspection, growth, and exploring this new phase of her life as we commemorate the journey Rachel has been on for the last 2 years.
And if you are looking around your home and realizing your furniture could use some revitalization - Rachel is now taking projects for 2023 (limited spots available)!
Connect with Rachel:
Follow Knox Upholstery on Instagram
Like Knox Upholstery on Facebook
Learn More About Knox Upholstery
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In August 2020, Catherine Porth sat down with Rachel Fletcher - an incredibly talented upholsterer who owns a very successful business in Knoxville, TN. At the time of this interview, Catherine and Rachel didn't really know each other. In fact, this recording is the first time they ever met.
This conversation would end up being the first of many between these two women. While neither knew it at the time, this interview would serve as the spark that ignited a friendship. And as these last 2 years have proved, it was a timely friendship at a period in Rachel's life where everything changed both personally and professionally. You'll be able to hear all about those changes in the next episode, but to understand how far Rachel has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Listen to her story of how she got her start as an upholsterer and how she turned her passion into a thriving business that exploded in a pandemic.
Connect with Rachel:
Follow Knox Upholstery on Instagram
Like Knox Upholstery on Facebook
Learn More About Knox Upholstery
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
In our last episode, we had the opportunity to learn about Erika Biddix, Founder of Aught, and her then vision for Girl Boss Offices as she was navigating the unknown world in the early months of the pandemic. But what has happened in Erika's life since that interview?
The answer is a WHOLE LOT and then some. Shortly after we recorded her interview in August 2020, Erika lost her father and almost lost her business from a cease and desist order. At a crossroads where she could have easily decided that taking her dream as far as she did was far enough - Erika decided to embrace it as an opportunity for reinvention and expansion.
Listen to her story of grief, tribulation, and perseverance as we commemorate the journey Erika has been on for the last 2 years.
And if you find yourself connecting with her mission and vision for Aught - Erika is still seeking funding to expand her impact and community of women entrepreneurs.
Connect with Erika:
Follow Aught on Instagram
Like Aught on Facebook
Learn More About Aught
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
Back in August 2020, Catherine Porth sat down with long-time Let Her Speak supporter and friend, Erika Biddix - Owner of Girl Boss Offices (now Aught). Erika is one of the greatest supporters of women entrepreneurs you will ever meet.
Little did Erika or Catherine know at the time of this interview that later that year Erika would face one of the most difficult periods in her business and personal life. She and Catherine will unpack everything that happened between this interview and now in the next episode, but to understand how far Erika has come - it's important to first learn where she's been.
Listen to her story of how she sees her legacy, where the idea for Girl Boss Offices came from, and how COVID changed everything.
Connect with Erika:
Follow Aught on Instagram
Like Aught on Facebook
Learn More About Aught
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com
Welcome to the She Speaks Podcast!
In our first episode, host and founder of Let Her Speak, Catherine Porth, discusses the history of the She Speaks project which ultimately led to this podcast. The first season of this podcast centers around commemorating the journey we have all been on the last 2+ years and celebrating how far we've come over by looking back at where we've been.
Join us on this 20-episode journey as we look back at interviews we recorded with incredible women from our community during the pandemic and catch back up with them to talk about how far they've come, how they've grown, and how they're thriving.
And make sure to share your homework with us that Catherine assigns during this episode! Shoot us a DM on Instagram or send us an email. We'd love to celebrate with you!
How to Connect with Let Her Speak:
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Stay updated with our Newsletter
Thank You to:
Our sponsor partners: First Horizon Bank & Knoxville Entrepreneur Center
Our producer & theme music composer: Travis Tench of Oak Hill Audio
Our brand designer: Maranda Vandergriff of Vagabondary
Our photographer: Rachel Woods of Smoke Signal Media
Have any questions, comments, or want to connect more with the Let Her Speak community? Contact us at letherspeakus@gmail.com